RULES & REGULATIONS
Governing the African Nations League, Season 2026.
1. Competition Format
The African Nations League is a season-long competition featuring 12 national teams. Each team plays every other team twice in a home-and-away round-robin, producing 22 gameweeks and 132 matches. Points are awarded 3 for a win, 1 for a draw and 0 for a loss.
2. Tiebreakers
If two or more teams are tied on points, the final order is decided by: (1) goal difference, (2) goals scored, (3) head-to-head record, (4) fair-play record, and (5) a neutral-venue playoff if required.
3. Squad & Eligibility
Each team must register a squad of players and coaching staff. A match-day squad must contain at least 10 native players. Jersey numbers are fixed after registration and may not be changed during the season without AFA approval.
4. Line-up Submission
Team users must submit their starting XI, formation and bench no later than 90 minutes before kick-off. Line-ups become public at T-90 minutes. Failure to submit a valid line-up may result in disciplinary action.
5. Discipline & Suspensions
Accumulating 3, 6 or 9 yellow cards results in automatic 1, 2 or 3-match bans in ANL competition only. Red-card bans apply across all competitions. A team that fields a suspended player will be deducted 3 competition points.
6. Misconduct & Fair Play
The AFA prohibits match-fixing, racial slander, cross-institution player transfers and any form of misconduct. Teams found guilty face fines, point deductions, suspension of officials or expulsion from the league.
7. Insufficient Players
If a team cannot field the minimum required number of eligible players, the match may be forfeited. The AFA Disciplinary Committee will determine the appropriate sanction, which may include a 3-0 defeat and a fine.